I've always like Desiros, and with their doors at the carriage ends the 444s are the best ones in the family. It's always disappointing that they aren't used more widely across the country.
Yeah i agree, the desiros that run on my line is the class 380s so I use them all the time to travel into glasgow or down to ayr and they are my favourite out of all of the Desiro family
@@Sarahbryson321 - Cheap and cheerful. The cheapest EMU's that South West Trains could procure at the time, and no exception to the general rule that you get what you pay for!
I have to say these units despite being nearly 20 years old are amazing for their age, comfort, and they're just outstanding! I can tell these will last a very long time! Thanks for making a review on these!
Did you ever travel between the South Coast and London aboard a Class 442 "Wessex Electric" train? Known to some as "Plastic Pigs" and to others as the "Rolls Royce of Third Rail EMU's".
The class 444 is one of my favourite trains from Desiro they are very modern, sleek, and clean by the way love your videos especially your voice narrated ones ❤
Thank you for an excellent review. I agree the Desiro Class 444 is a very good train, though I think First were wrong to change the First Class seating from 2+1 to 2+2. As you say there is no point in upgrading to First anymore ! It is time First re-introduced some catering on their services from Waterloo to Bournmouth and Exeter too !
I live in Poole and see this often, especially when I go travelling with my dad. He works for SWR driving Desiros (class 444/450) so often travel in first class. Great video
The English lovely country side and its world-renowned drizzle are really well depicted by the 4k quality. The voice-overs are a very nenjoyable addition to your great video!. Keep up your good work. Have a great festive season
I spent the vast majority of my childhood in Weymouth and went to the University of Southampton (and then briefly returned to the area for work later) - so this is a massively familiar route, and it's great that the 444s have been refurbished well! I always remembered the old spot by one of the toilets that had one table of seats and that was it, and I used to love sitting there because it was usually quieter and as an autistic person I felt less "peopled" there!
As a frequent traveler on these trains, I can confirm that a large portion of the people will be towards the front because London Waterloo is obviously a terminus station, so to avoid less walking at the end, people will cluster towards the front. Additionally Clapham Junction has a smallish platform, so only the front 7/8 coaches doors can open
It has to be said the Siemen’s commuter/intercity style seats (also used in their 185’s, 350’s), though not always attractive to look at, are very comfortable and it makes you wonder why nobody thought of that before and they really are hard wearing. Siemen’s also look after their trains incredibly well, I’m guessing under the lease arrangement(?), compared to others again something that isn’t rocket science to aid passenger comfort and enjoyment. Great report, as ever.
Due to a car hire cock up at Southampton Airport, I got to travel on two of these trains just a couple of weeks ago, to Weymouth and back. I was particularly impressed with the smooth ride, quite a contrast to some newer rolling stock I could mention. I also managed to get a reasonably sized suitcase onto the overhead rack. For reasons never adequately explained SWR had us changing trains at Bournemouth on the return leg, the one we had been on then went back to Poole and the train that had just arrived from London, that should have gone to Poole, headed back north with us on it.
@@highpath4776 it wasn’t much of a problem, I don’t think we were delayed at all, it just seemed odd that passengers on both services were swapped onto identical trains.
Crosscountry often do that at Birmingham New Street too particularly on the Nottingham to Cardiff service. Both trains are at the platform at the same time, and simply return to their original destination. I have always assumed that is due to staffing logistics, and BHM being an XC base, that would make sense
I regularly use these trains and find the 2+2 configurations quite narrow. I prefer the 3+2 configurations on the 450 units which SWR have also refurbished well. Nice that the units you were on was in new colours. Did the one that joined at Bournemouth also have the new colour did you see when you got off?
wow that was a serious bargain. It is crazy how crowded the train was at one end versus how empty the other was. You'd think the conductors would encourage riders to move down for safety sake. You're great passing thru those tiny looking aisles. I'd be tripping all the way down. Storage is a big issue. Looking forward to Friday. Enjoy.
Imo part of the crowding is due to the sequence of connecting the two units. Currently, they bring the empty unit out of the sidings first, and have the unit from Weymouth couple to the rear on arrival. This means that ppl already waiting at Bournemouth (which is quite busy) are in the mindset to board the front unit. It would be better if they let the weymouth unit in first and then coupled the empty unit to the rear before allowing passengers to board perhaps...
Used to travel London to Poole occasionally for work - loved Poole Station, the level crossing with quaint bridge that you showed was a neat structure. And that is the start of the High Street - though I do recall getting a dodgy pasty from a shop at the top end of the High Street once many years ago.
On the crowded front, empty rear situation, it was always that way on trains to London from the south, as far back as I can remember - people just want to be near the barriers at London. As for the standing, I've noticed that a lot more in the last couple of years, even when there are seats visibly free, as people try to socially distance themselves.
I enjoyed your historical asides about Southampton and Winchester, making them more than just names. It's good to see train travel picking up again after seeing you be one of three passengers in a car so often for the last year. I hope those who don't flush the toilets do so not because they're inconsiderate, but because they're used to public toilets that flush automatically when you leave.
You might have mentioned the short but scenic branch line to Lymington which can be seen peeling off from the "New Road" just west of Brockenhurst, It was the last refuge of slam-door electric multiple units in southern England, with two dedicated 3 coach trains (named Farringford and Freshwater) providing a connection with the ferries to and from Yarmouth Isle of Wight between 2005-10.
As the train sped through Guildford, Woking and Wimbledon I was reminded of 3 emotional times in my earlier life. Guildford - 3 years studying for my BSc in Physics, Woking where I worked for a while contra-commuting from ..........Wimbledon where I set up home with first partner.
I've been on this exact service, from Dorchester South to Waterloo, and it was a very smooth and pleasant journey (I paid around £11 with 1/3 off railcard). Was very impressed with this
I have to say I prefer the 444s over the 450s. Whilst the 450s may be high capacity, the 444s have better standard class seating and are more suited to longer journeys.
I'm not a big fan of the class 444's seats, I find them very firm, but the legroom is pretty good for a Standard Class seat. Make sure to do the First Class review of the class 350 London Midlands and keep up the good videos ❤
An excellent video. So glad you use the term railway station and not train station. As someone about to use this service with a fairly large suitcase, I was disappointed to hear about lack of luggage storage. maybe I'll have to rethink my packing!
Never thought to look up trains to London with SWR…glad I did they are much cheaper…fair bit slower than the GWR trains though but I like the journey. Cheers!
Interesting to watch. I used to live in Bournemouth and use the main station and Pokesdown. As you pull out of Basingstoke, you can see my apartment in the middle block of the 3.
I agree that the 444s are one of the best for rail journeys . Some years ago I travelled weekly from Portsmouth Harbour to Waterloo on a 444 and was careful not to end up on a 450! In those days 1st class was a 1+2 seat configuration and a snacks/drinks trolley trundled through the train. Maybe that was a casualty of the pandemic.
@@s125ish true, although by looking at the previous day’s allocations you can often predict what unit you’ll be on (unless you’re travelling on a monday)
i have been on this class 444 train down to Bournemouth twice and it is extremely comfortable as well as the class 221 super voyager and in my opinion that train Is extremely comfortable as well
I think you would Enjoy the Swansea to Pembroke Dock route tit has a lot of nice scenery and the old token system and crossings with no lights or barriers will have a train has to stop and blow the horn
If Covid is ever under control I plan to spend a month in the UK (Used to live in England) and will return to the States onboard Queen Mary II. This video was very helpful as I now know the best train to Southampton. Now I'm waiting to see a Replacement Bus Service review...😂😜
I also find when I use this service heading towards London that most of the time there is much better seat availability towards the back of the train. The front half is always very busy. Especially from Southampton onwards. I agree that 1st class isn't worth the upgrade any more. It was fine but since the fleet refurbishment its not worth it as the seating is a downgrade to what it used to be. Could probably do with a couple more table of 4 seating as whenever I travel in a group its often hard to find a table seat for us and as you said as well there is a lack of space for baggage however this is an issue i've found on many different trains in the UK in general.
You can get some really good fares on this route if you're flexible and book in advance. The best I managed was last month Southampton to Waterloo leaving mid morning and returning early evening for £3.95 each way.
Best I could find is £6 one way. Southampton to Waterloo. With trains every half hour, rather a lower flexiable fare rather than tied to restrictive advances
Still working my way through re-watching everything, can't see a comment from the first time. I commuted Branksome-Waterloo 1991-95 and fortunately only Branksome-Bournemouth after that until 2018. I much preferred the 442s, it's a shame they weren't able to bring them back a few years ago.
A fair and balanced review. You certainly got yourself a bargain there. It does rather seem pointless to have a first class section on what is, essentially, a glorified commuter train. My gripe with all these "modern" trains is the airline style seating arrangement. In that regard the old MK1s & 2s were far superior with their respective seating (two facing two, sometimes with a table) lining up with the windows. I guess that's progress for you. I've just entered the same journey with National Rail Enquiries. They are quoting an Advance Single albeit for a later train: the 10:41 for Wednesday, 12th January next at £7.75 with a railcard.
I’ve been on this route well not this train but the red Blue ones in 2017 With my father we went to Bournemouth to Waterloo calling at Brockenhurst Southampton Central then Airport Winchester Woking Waterloo
It's fascinating to do the journey in reverse, starting in London and ending up on the Dorset coast at Weymouth. You round the curve at the head of Southampton Water and all of a sudden the houses stop and you're in the middle of the New Forest National Park, with miles of empty heathland stretching away to the horizon!
As somebody from the United States, I find it crazy that there is no security upon entering the station. Any sort of long range transport station here has a metal detector and bag scanner at least.
Thanks, Dylan! I can't wait for you to have 1,000,000 subscribers on your channel. Your videos are very beautiful. You show magnificent landscapes. You edit your videos very well and you shoot excellently. I have no criticism to make. Do you think you could do cab ride videos? The London Underground is very beautiful, introduce it to us. Thanks to you
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems that the only feature that this train shares with european Desiro is the name. Apart from a completely different bodywork which is for obvious reasons (UK loading gauge), the european Desiro has bogies between coaches and this one has the stanndard ones. So, basically it's a completely different train.
ive had these trains for a number of trips over the years i do like them tho the catering they used to do a trolley service im not sure if they have scrapped completly or its yet to come back but anyway the Poole route is a nice run one of my fav routes to ride brilliant video
I cant believe that Stepford Connect service to Stepford Central was sooooo good! Never seen it operating that good in all my life! (It’s a joke ok don’t get mad)
Look closely at 8:35 and that is Redbridge's Permit To Travel Machine! xD Nice trip Dylan, i've made that journey quite a few times before :) ALSO, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE TROLLEY SERVICE :( used to enjoy that on board the train
The bathroom should be more well lit !! For sure !! I hate stuffed toilets !! Who doesn't ! LOLLOLLOL Man ! I am glad that I wasn't eating my dinner ,yet ! Still waiting for my Monty ( veggie ) burgers ! 🍔 Lol. A very nice train & review as always !! I'd love to go watch a tennis tournament at Wimbledon someday !!! 💜🥁🐉🎤🚉💞
I've found that "cheap-skate" ticket passengers tend to be hearded all into one coach. Another point - I'm not so sure the £8 bargain would be available for passengers originating from the opposite direction. Ex-London fares tend to be higher per mile.
14:18 It's a shame that a service that is InterCity in many ways does not have catering or 2+1 in First. I'm waiting for the day they make a 3rd rail capable Hitachi class 800 variant (yes I know the 395s exist but I mean one with an 80x designation!)
Such an interesting video as well as a little bit strange one too. In Russia we've got similar Desiro EMUs called "Lastochka" but they are mostly 12 to 16 cars long (single train configuration) and they aren't powered by the third rail.
South East England is the only place in the world where inter-city express trains are powered by Direct Current collected from a ground-level conductor rail, an electrification system more usually found on urban rapid transit systems. The London to Poole route was electrified in 1966 at the cost of £16 million using 3,200 Amps supplied at 850 Volts DC. A couple of years ago during a bitterly cold night in Winter one of these Class 444 Desiro trains got stranded in the middle of the New Forest ("new" since 1089 and owned by our Queen as her hunting park) because the Third Rail was coated with thick ice. The passengers spent a cold and sleepless night before being rescued by a Diesel train next morning!
This is because there are various market stands at Poole some days as well as delivery/maintenance vans that can access the high street overnight/early morning, the vehicle access is just down the road a little, opposite side of the LC from where Dylan pointed the camera.
Poole looks like a hideous place in your video! Perhaps it looks better when the Sun is shining! The bit between Winchester and Basingstoke through the chalk downlands is an attractive stretch of line, and the train actually gets to something like a decent speed there - unlike the rest of the line!
Poole is a fantastic area - but the station definitely looks tired in the rain. The brick structure that existed there before appears very charming in old pictures.
Agreed they struggle with the lack of power and gaps, these units would be great on the wcml aswell on overhead lines, third rail is only really good for metro services not for long distance services imo
Had you considered that part of the reason that the front part of the train is more crowded is probably due to only that part of the train fitting the platform at a lot of stops? Bad planning on the part of SWR!
@@UKTransport232 Unless something bad has happened, the rear unit will always be the ex Weymouth. The Bournemouth part comes out on the middle sidings abound 10 minutes before the ex Weymouth part is due in.
I have to say I feel seats are a very difficult thing for me. I have long legs and a short neck so I’ve never yet got a completely right seat when it comes to comfort.
I quite like the Class 444 5-Car Desiros. Do you know when the Class 701 Arterios will begin entering service that is replacing the Class 455, Class 456, Class 458 and Class 707. With some of the Class 707 cascaded to Southeastern.
From LeviNZ...... pleasant looking train trip, weather excepted.....you got a real bargain with your ticket as the standard price you quoted at the end for , what, 160+- km?? Normal prices are horrendously $$$.
I am surprised to see that people need not wear face masks :) And here in the Netherlands we pay a fixed price for a train ticket. One could only get reductions when having some kind of subscription.
You want to try the diesel service on SWR from Exeter St David's via Salisbury to Waterloo. The equipment is noisy, out of date and dirty. No catering at all on my last trip. The carriage i was in was built in 1958 and it showed. A very poor value and 3rd world service i would expect better in Albania
1958?! Try early 90s, and there's no catering on any swr service at the mo, not just the west of England line. Yes they're a bit noisy but very reliable, constantly winning the golden spanner award in their category
The Class 444 units were not on my 2018 itinerary although I managed to glimpse inside one at Basingstoke while waiting for my Class 159 service to Exeter. Quite comparable to the shorter and similar Class 450s of which I managed a ride in both directions on the Windsor & Eton line. Now wouldn't the Thameslink passengers think they were in heaven if the Class 700 and Great Northern's Class 710 units had the Class 444 standard class seats instead of the ironboard versions! Oh, but we can't do that! There's not enough civil servants on those lines to spoil with comfort on their free passes. Cynical old me from convict land downunder! Hope that gives you a chuckle. Oh yes, Christchurch. You will love the TranzAlpine train if and when you get down this part of the world. Cheers for now from Michael.
Pleaseeee tell me how you got a ticket for under £8 from Poole to London, all the prices I have checked even with railcards etc have been like £20 at the very least?
I think you would make a great driver, and you could keep the passenger up to speed with facts about the train along the way when they don't get connected to wi-fi.
As relatively modern trains go these seem to be ok, but the lack of luggage storage and catering facilities seems to be the only draw back to them. ( In General Modern TOC's only seem to be interested in the number of passengers they can cram onto their services, Luggage storage and catering are not in their opinion remunerative. I also find the lack of windows in modern train toilets to be a problem. again toilets are non remunerative so while on long journeys they have to provide them they take up the least amount of space. No doubt they would like to get rid of them if they could
I've always like Desiros, and with their doors at the carriage ends the 444s are the best ones in the family. It's always disappointing that they aren't used more widely across the country.
I hate desiros
Yeah i agree, the desiros that run on my line is the class 380s so I use them all the time to travel into glasgow or down to ayr and they are my favourite out of all of the Desiro family
they might be out of manufacturing
Yes the 444s are better than the 450s. Not quite intercity like though
@@Sarahbryson321 - Cheap and cheerful. The cheapest EMU's that South West Trains could procure at the time, and no exception to the general rule that you get what you pay for!
I have to say these units despite being nearly 20 years old are amazing for their age, comfort, and they're just outstanding! I can tell these will last a very long time!
Thanks for making a review on these!
Did you ever travel between the South Coast and London aboard a Class 442 "Wessex Electric" train? Known to some as "Plastic Pigs" and to others as the "Rolls Royce of Third Rail EMU's".
@@DaveSuperThomas I've been one them once when they were on gatwick express, I can't remember what it was like though as it was so long ago
The class 444 is one of my favourite trains from Desiro they are very modern, sleek, and clean by the way love your videos especially your voice narrated ones ❤
Thank you for an excellent review. I agree the Desiro Class 444 is a very good train, though I think First were wrong to change the First Class seating from 2+1 to 2+2. As you say there is no point in upgrading to First anymore ! It is time First re-introduced some catering on their services from Waterloo to Bournmouth and Exeter too !
I live in Poole and see this often, especially when I go travelling with my dad. He works for SWR driving Desiros (class 444/450) so often travel in first class. Great video
The English lovely country side and its world-renowned drizzle are really well depicted by the 4k quality. The voice-overs are a very nenjoyable addition to your great video!.
Keep up your good work.
Have a great festive season
I spent the vast majority of my childhood in Weymouth and went to the University of Southampton (and then briefly returned to the area for work later) - so this is a massively familiar route, and it's great that the 444s have been refurbished well! I always remembered the old spot by one of the toilets that had one table of seats and that was it, and I used to love sitting there because it was usually quieter and as an autistic person I felt less "peopled" there!
As a frequent traveler on these trains, I can confirm that a large portion of the people will be towards the front because London Waterloo is obviously a terminus station, so to avoid less walking at the end, people will cluster towards the front. Additionally Clapham Junction has a smallish platform, so only the front 7/8 coaches doors can open
It has to be said the Siemen’s commuter/intercity style seats (also used in their 185’s, 350’s), though not always attractive to look at, are very comfortable and it makes you wonder why nobody thought of that before and they really are hard wearing. Siemen’s also look after their trains incredibly well, I’m guessing under the lease arrangement(?), compared to others again something that isn’t rocket science to aid passenger comfort and enjoyment. Great report, as ever.
Due to a car hire cock up at Southampton Airport, I got to travel on two of these trains just a couple of weeks ago, to Weymouth and back. I was particularly impressed with the smooth ride, quite a contrast to some newer rolling stock I could mention. I also managed to get a reasonably sized suitcase onto the overhead rack. For reasons never adequately explained SWR had us changing trains at Bournemouth on the return leg, the one we had been on then went back to Poole and the train that had just arrived from London, that should have gone to Poole, headed back north with us on it.
using bornemouth as a terminal to catch up times when running late or staffing issues is quite frequent really, one gets used to it
@@highpath4776 it wasn’t much of a problem, I don’t think we were delayed at all, it just seemed odd that passengers on both services were swapped onto identical trains.
Crosscountry often do that at Birmingham New Street too particularly on the Nottingham to Cardiff service. Both trains are at the platform at the same time, and simply return to their original destination. I have always assumed that is due to staffing logistics, and BHM being an XC base, that would make sense
Yes ! It sounded/ seemed very quiet !! And smooth ride like you said !! Very nice !! 👍👍💜🥁🐉🎤🚉🚈🎄🎁🎶💞
Excellent report mate 😃👍🏽 I haven’t been to Poole for over 20 years and the station hasn’t changed a bit 😀👍🏽🇬🇧🎉
I ❤ Poole
I regularly use these trains and find the 2+2 configurations quite narrow. I prefer the 3+2 configurations on the 450 units which SWR have also refurbished well. Nice that the units you were on was in new colours.
Did the one that joined at Bournemouth also have the new colour did you see when you got off?
wow that was a serious bargain. It is crazy how crowded the train was at one end versus how empty the other was. You'd think the conductors would encourage riders to move down for safety sake. You're great passing thru those tiny looking aisles. I'd be tripping all the way down. Storage is a big issue. Looking forward to Friday. Enjoy.
Imo part of the crowding is due to the sequence of connecting the two units. Currently, they bring the empty unit out of the sidings first, and have the unit from Weymouth couple to the rear on arrival. This means that ppl already waiting at Bournemouth (which is quite busy) are in the mindset to board the front unit. It would be better if they let the weymouth unit in first and then coupled the empty unit to the rear before allowing passengers to board perhaps...
Very often they do if passengers are standing, however for whatever reason passengers seem to ignore the announcements from my experience
Used to travel London to Poole occasionally for work - loved Poole Station, the level crossing with quaint bridge that you showed was a neat structure. And that is the start of the High Street - though I do recall getting a dodgy pasty from a shop at the top end of the High Street once many years ago.
I’ve used the class 444’s a few times and have never been let down by them. Always very good value for money as well.
On the crowded front, empty rear situation, it was always that way on trains to London from the south, as far back as I can remember - people just want to be near the barriers at London.
As for the standing, I've noticed that a lot more in the last couple of years, even when there are seats visibly free, as people try to socially distance themselves.
Great travel report again Dylan, this train has a very cool livery in my opinion
I enjoyed your historical asides about Southampton and Winchester, making them more than just names. It's good to see train travel picking up again after seeing you be one of three passengers in a car so often for the last year. I hope those who don't flush the toilets do so not because they're inconsiderate, but because they're used to public toilets that flush automatically when you leave.
You might have mentioned the short but scenic branch line to Lymington which can be seen peeling off from the "New Road" just west of Brockenhurst, It was the last refuge of slam-door electric multiple units in southern England, with two dedicated 3 coach trains (named Farringford and Freshwater) providing a connection with the ferries to and from Yarmouth Isle of Wight between 2005-10.
Please do a review of Portsmouth to Waterloo on the Class 450 during rush hour with the standard class layout of 3 + 2. I'd be willing to join you
These videos make my Mondays far better! Loving the trip reports, keep them up! :D
Oh its you, Vex!
I think the long distance old southern routes are the best, I still use the train to pompey and are really comfortable, long may they continue.
Another wonderful trip. I was very impressed by the feeling of openness due to the large windows. It was very bright and cheery!
I love the voice over as opposed to captions. Gives it a more welcoming feel!! Please keep the change!
personally i preferred the captions
As the train sped through Guildford, Woking and Wimbledon I was reminded of 3 emotional times in my earlier life.
Guildford - 3 years studying for my BSc in Physics, Woking where I worked for a while contra-commuting from ..........Wimbledon where I set up home with first partner.
It did not go via Guildford...
I've been on this exact service, from Dorchester South to Waterloo, and it was a very smooth and pleasant journey (I paid around £11 with 1/3 off railcard). Was very impressed with this
That's nice !! 👍💜🥁🐉🎤🚉🎄🎁🎶💞
Just wondering how did you get it so cheap? All the prices I see are more than double😂😭
@@KPVProductions railcard + booked 4 days in advance, think I travelled on a Saturday also
I have to say I prefer the 444s over the 450s. Whilst the 450s may be high capacity, the 444s have better standard class seating and are more suited to longer journeys.
Portsmouth commuters were FUMING when 450s replaced 444s on their route a while back.
@@shinydavidhowell Not surprised. There's nothing wrong with the 450s that better seats and tables wouldn't fix.
I'm not a big fan of the class 444's seats, I find them very firm, but the legroom is pretty good for a Standard Class seat. Make sure to do the First Class review of the class 350 London Midlands and keep up the good videos ❤
An excellent video. So glad you use the term railway station and not train station.
As someone about to use this service with a fairly large suitcase, I was disappointed to hear about lack of luggage storage. maybe I'll have to rethink my packing!
Never thought to look up trains to London with SWR…glad I did they are much cheaper…fair bit slower than the GWR trains though but I like the journey. Cheers!
Interesting to watch. I used to live in Bournemouth and use the main station and Pokesdown. As you pull out of Basingstoke, you can see my apartment in the middle block of the 3.
I agree that the 444s are one of the best for rail journeys . Some years ago I travelled weekly from Portsmouth Harbour to Waterloo on a 444 and was careful not to end up on a 450! In those days 1st class was a 1+2 seat configuration and a snacks/drinks trolley trundled through the train. Maybe that was a casualty of the pandemic.
Portsmouth seems to get the 450 more often on both its London routes
@@s125ish true, although by looking at the previous day’s allocations you can often predict what unit you’ll be on (unless you’re travelling on a monday)
i have been on this class 444 train down to Bournemouth twice and it is extremely comfortable as well as the class 221 super voyager and in my opinion that train Is extremely comfortable as well
CrossCountry should give their voyagers more space so not much overcrowding would happen.
It looked like a very smooth / quiet ride !! 👍💜🥁🐉🎤🚉🎄🎁🎶💞
The desiros today are just fantastic units and have really good acceleration even after 20 years! I hope SWR don’t get rid of them
Don't worry, they should be good for another 15-20 years
Nice to see your journey go well. Unfortunately, I have bad memories with SWR when I went down to Weymouth in the summer.
Really? What caused you to have bad memories?
I was disappointed there didn't appear to be any Wombles at Wimbledon.
I think you would Enjoy the Swansea to Pembroke Dock route tit has a lot of nice scenery and the old token system and crossings with no lights or barriers will have a train has to stop and blow the horn
Great video Dylan. I do love the class 444 units and will be eagerly awaiting the class 450 review
If Covid is ever under control I plan to spend a month in the UK (Used to live in England) and will return to the States onboard Queen Mary II. This video was very helpful as I now know the best train to Southampton. Now I'm waiting to see a Replacement Bus Service review...😂😜
Nice big windows on the 'Fab 4's' let in plenty of light!
I also find when I use this service heading towards London that most of the time there is much better seat availability towards the back of the train. The front half is always very busy. Especially from Southampton onwards. I agree that 1st class isn't worth the upgrade any more. It was fine but since the fleet refurbishment its not worth it as the seating is a downgrade to what it used to be. Could probably do with a couple more table of 4 seating as whenever I travel in a group its often hard to find a table seat for us and as you said as well there is a lack of space for baggage however this is an issue i've found on many different trains in the UK in general.
On the fast services the trains are mostly full but on the occasional stopping service the train is mostly empty to London
You can get some really good fares on this route if you're flexible and book in advance. The best I managed was last month Southampton to Waterloo leaving mid morning and returning early evening for £3.95 each way.
Best I could find is £6 one way. Southampton to Waterloo. With trains every half hour, rather a lower flexiable fare rather than tied to restrictive advances
Nice video
If possible could you review the Birmingham International to Pwllheli train
A good professional review, watched the video because I lived in Poole many years ago, I've subscribed, your channel looks very interesting.
Still working my way through re-watching everything, can't see a comment from the first time. I commuted Branksome-Waterloo 1991-95 and fortunately only Branksome-Bournemouth after that until 2018. I much preferred the 442s, it's a shame they weren't able to bring them back a few years ago.
A fair and balanced review. You certainly got yourself a bargain there. It does rather seem pointless to have a first class section on what is, essentially, a glorified commuter train. My gripe with all these "modern" trains is the airline style seating arrangement. In that regard the old MK1s & 2s were far superior with their respective seating (two facing two, sometimes with a table) lining up with the windows. I guess that's progress for you.
I've just entered the same journey with National Rail Enquiries. They are quoting an Advance Single albeit for a later train: the 10:41 for Wednesday, 12th January next at £7.75 with a railcard.
I’ve been on this route well not this train but the red Blue ones in 2017 With my father we went to Bournemouth to Waterloo calling at Brockenhurst Southampton Central then Airport Winchester Woking Waterloo
17:58 The compressor to me sounds the same as the Class 377/1, /2, /3 and /4.
Quite enjoyable train ride, the scenery was nice too
It's fascinating to do the journey in reverse, starting in London and ending up on the Dorset coast at Weymouth. You round the curve at the head of Southampton Water and all of a sudden the houses stop and you're in the middle of the New Forest National Park, with miles of empty heathland stretching away to the horizon!
As somebody from the United States, I find it crazy that there is no security upon entering the station. Any sort of long range transport station here has a metal detector and bag scanner at least.
Thanks, Dylan! I can't wait for you to have 1,000,000 subscribers on your channel. Your videos are very beautiful. You show magnificent landscapes. You edit your videos very well and you shoot excellently. I have no criticism to make. Do you think you could do cab ride videos? The London Underground is very beautiful, introduce it to us. Thanks to you
Thanks! I'm not sure, that'd be quite difficult to do!
Were none of the three Cunard Queens in port in Southampton?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems that the only feature that this train shares with european Desiro is the name. Apart from a completely different bodywork which is for obvious reasons (UK loading gauge), the european Desiro has bogies between coaches and this one has the stanndard ones. So, basically it's a completely different train.
Yeah, basically.
I had never been on these trains before, but they look very comfortable.
ive had these trains for a number of trips over the years i do like them tho the catering they used to do a trolley service im not sure if they have scrapped completly or its yet to come back but anyway the Poole route is a nice run one of my fav routes to ride brilliant video
U should TOTALLY go to Nz where they have really great scenery
Great video, probably the train I travel on the most. Love the units and great trip report.😄👍
Can’t believe how cheap it is! I remember going to and from London and Manchester a few times and it costing around £70 for a similar journey time.
I cant believe that Stepford Connect service to Stepford Central was sooooo good! Never seen it operating that good in all my life! (It’s a joke ok don’t get mad)
LOL
@@tenny_tenten LOL
I would like to see a travel report from London to Manchester thank you and have very merry Christmas
Look closely at 8:35 and that is Redbridge's Permit To Travel Machine! xD Nice trip Dylan, i've made that journey quite a few times before :) ALSO, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE TROLLEY SERVICE :( used to enjoy that on board the train
Excellent reaction speed on the door opening at the beginning.... rapid
@@EliasSchmid00 By the guard... these are not DOO ;)
This is a trip I have done on a few occasions myself in both directions and more often than not it has been a class 444 each time. I cannot fault them
The bathroom should be more well lit !! For sure !! I hate stuffed toilets !! Who doesn't ! LOLLOLLOL Man ! I am glad that I wasn't eating my dinner ,yet ! Still waiting for my Monty ( veggie ) burgers ! 🍔 Lol. A very nice train & review as always !! I'd love to go watch a tennis tournament at Wimbledon someday !!! 💜🥁🐉🎤🚉💞
Clicked as soon as the notification came
I've found that "cheap-skate" ticket passengers tend to be hearded all into one coach.
Another point - I'm not so sure the £8 bargain would be available for passengers originating from the opposite direction.
Ex-London fares tend to be higher per mile.
14:18 It's a shame that a service that is InterCity in many ways does not have catering or 2+1 in First.
I'm waiting for the day they make a 3rd rail capable Hitachi class 800 variant (yes I know the 395s exist but I mean one with an 80x designation!)
Even with a railcard and adv bkg I am amazed how you got that journey so cheap
Would like to see a Coffee Bar, with Cold drinks and Sandwiches
It's not just New Zealand you need to go to. You need to go to Norway! Both have good trains there.
Such an interesting video as well as a little bit strange one too. In Russia we've got similar Desiro EMUs called "Lastochka" but they are mostly 12 to 16 cars long (single train configuration) and they aren't powered by the third rail.
South East England is the only place in the world where inter-city express trains are powered by Direct Current collected from a ground-level conductor rail, an electrification system more usually found on urban rapid transit systems. The London to Poole route was electrified in 1966 at the cost of £16 million using 3,200 Amps supplied at 850 Volts DC. A couple of years ago during a bitterly cold night in Winter one of these Class 444 Desiro trains got stranded in the middle of the New Forest ("new" since 1089 and owned by our Queen as her hunting park) because the Third Rail was coated with thick ice. The passengers spent a cold and sleepless night before being rescued by a Diesel train next morning!
@@FunticVideo лол, да кто там о животных думает.
@@FunticVideo That's why the railway line has high fences on both sides - to keep wild deer and feral pigs, horses and donkeys safe!
A strange feature of Poole is the `pedestrianised' road that still has a road vehicle level crossing 3:29
This is because there are various market stands at Poole some days as well as delivery/maintenance vans that can access the high street overnight/early morning, the vehicle access is just down the road a little, opposite side of the LC from where Dylan pointed the camera.
great shot of the p&o azura or ventura i thinks its azura but thats my guess
Congrats dude! You almost have 100k subs! :)
Thanks for another excellent review. However, the interior seems so uninspired.
Poole looks like a hideous place in your video! Perhaps it looks better when the Sun is shining! The bit between Winchester and Basingstoke through the chalk downlands is an attractive stretch of line, and the train actually gets to something like a decent speed there - unlike the rest of the line!
Poole is a fantastic area - but the station definitely looks tired in the rain. The brick structure that existed there before appears very charming in old pictures.
I never thought the that stretch of line is particularly fast, Third rail services never do
Agreed they struggle with the lack of power and gaps, these units would be great on the wcml aswell on overhead lines, third rail is only really good for metro services not for long distance services imo
Hey Dyl, I was wondering when this was recorded. I work at Branksome station and I was probably at ticket office when you went past my station 😁
10th September I think.
@@DylansTravelReports oooh I was there! Probably sat in the ticket office upstairs 😄
Had you considered that part of the reason that the front part of the train is more crowded is probably due to only that part of the train fitting the platform at a lot of stops? Bad planning on the part of SWR!
Also it's a shorter walk when you get to Waterloo.
People will stand for an hour for a shorter walk at the terminus? Well tiddle me.
also 1 of the units comes from Weymouth and one joins at bournemouth, that sometimes means the one with the longer journey may be busier.
@@UKTransport232 Unless something bad has happened, the rear unit will always be the ex Weymouth. The Bournemouth part comes out on the middle sidings abound 10 minutes before the ex Weymouth part is due in.
@@MeTheCoolDude yep i used to be on that Weymouth train and remember coupling at bournemouth, havent done that since covid though i dont think?
It sure rains a lot in England.
You are so close to 100k. You have got this
I have to say I feel seats are a very difficult thing for me. I have long legs and a short neck so I’ve never yet got a completely right seat when it comes to comfort.
I've been to Poole several times and the weather has always been bad lol
2:25 this sound is like... Siemens. And these trains look like... England. :)))
I quite like the Class 444 5-Car Desiros. Do you know when the Class 701 Arterios will begin entering service that is replacing the Class 455, Class 456, Class 458 and Class 707. With some of the Class 707 cascaded to Southeastern.
458s are staying
The class 444 is one my favourite trains and seating in standard class was good
Is there ever an issue where wildlife or even people wonder onto the tracks and get zapped by the exposed third rail?
From LeviNZ...... pleasant looking train trip, weather excepted.....you got a real bargain with your ticket as the standard price you quoted at the end for , what, 160+- km?? Normal prices are horrendously $$$.
I am surprised to see that people need not wear face masks :) And here in the Netherlands we pay a fixed price for a train ticket. One could only get reductions when having some kind of subscription.
You want to try the diesel service on SWR from Exeter St David's via Salisbury to Waterloo. The equipment is noisy, out of date and dirty. No catering at all on my last trip. The carriage i was in was built in 1958 and it showed. A very poor value and 3rd world service i would expect better in Albania
I filmed a video on that service.
1958?! Try early 90s, and there's no catering on any swr service at the mo, not just the west of England line. Yes they're a bit noisy but very reliable, constantly winning the golden spanner award in their category
The Class 444 units were not on my 2018 itinerary although I managed to glimpse inside one at Basingstoke while waiting for my Class 159 service to Exeter. Quite comparable to the shorter and similar Class 450s of which I managed a ride in both directions on the Windsor & Eton line. Now wouldn't the Thameslink passengers think they were in heaven if the Class 700 and Great Northern's Class 710 units had the Class 444 standard class seats instead of the ironboard versions! Oh, but we can't do that! There's not enough civil servants on those lines to spoil with comfort on their free passes. Cynical old me from convict land downunder! Hope that gives you a chuckle. Oh yes, Christchurch. You will love the TranzAlpine train if and when you get down this part of the world. Cheers for now from Michael.
Me and my fat finger! The reference to the Great Northern Units should have been Class 717 not 710.
amazing video dylan mate i love the design interia seats are great i like them i havent been onboard one though
There actually used to be a trolly service on board until the pandemic hit
Great video as always Dylan 👍
The way of how you press the door button
Pleaseeee tell me how you got a ticket for under £8 from Poole to London, all the prices I have checked even with railcards etc have been like £20 at the very least?
I think you would make a great driver, and you could keep the passenger up to speed with facts about the train along the way when they don't get connected to wi-fi.
I wish this train will be Scot rail as well
As relatively modern trains go these seem to be ok, but the lack of luggage storage and catering facilities seems to be the only draw back to them. ( In General Modern TOC's only seem to be interested in the number of passengers they can cram onto their services, Luggage storage and catering are not in their opinion remunerative. I also find the lack of windows in modern train toilets to be a problem. again toilets are non remunerative so while on long journeys they have to provide them they take up the least amount of space. No doubt they would like to get rid of them if they could
444s always seems like solid units tbh